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New EPA Lead and Copper Rule for Drinking Water: Buchart Horn Can Help You Navigate It

New EPA Lead and Copper Rule for Drinking Water: Buchart Horn Can Help You Navigate It

On October 8, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a transformative new rule that will help protect millions of Americans from the harmful effects of lead exposure in drinking water. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), issued by the EPA, require drinking water systems nationwide to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. By implementing more stringent water testing and lowering the threshold for mandatory community action, this rule aims to address the long-standing issue of lead contamination, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

This initiative is backed by $2.6 billion in funding made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with significant support for lead pipe replacement projects. Specifically, nearly half of this funding must be directed toward disadvantaged communities. Further, an additional $35 million in competitive grants is now available to further support local efforts to reduce lead in drinking water.

What the New Lead and Copper Rule Means for Communities

The LCRI represents a massive shift in how communities approach water safety. Key provisions of the rule include:

  • 10-year Lead Pipe Replacement Mandate: Drinking water systems must locate and replace lead service lines, addressing up to 9 million homes nationwide.
  • Stronger Testing Protocols: The rule enforces more rigorous testing of drinking water for lead and requires action at lower contamination levels.
  • Community Communication: Families will receive better information on lead exposure risks and replacement plans, helping them stay informed about their water quality.

The estimated public health and economic benefits of this rule are staggering, projected to outweigh the costs by up to 13 times. The LCRI will protect children from the devastating impacts of lead exposure, including cognitive impairments, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and long-term physical health issues like heart disease and kidney damage.

Trust the Experts

At Buchart Horn, we understand the complexities of water infrastructure projects, and our multi-disciplinary approach positions us to assist communities in navigating the new regulatory landscape. With extensive experience in engineering, project management, and municipal services, we provide turnkey solutions to help clients comply with the LCRI.

How Buchart Horn Can Help

Here’s how Buchart Horn can assist your municipality or organization:

1. Lead Service Line Identification and Inventory

The first step in complying with the LCRI is identifying where lead pipes are located. Our team provides comprehensive site surveys and data collection services, leveraging advanced GIS technology to map existing lead service lines. Accurate inventories are crucial for planning effective replacements.

2. Replacement Planning and Design

After lead pipes are identified, we work closely with water systems to develop detailed replacement plans that minimize disruption to residents. Our engineering team specializes in creating cost-effective, sustainable solutions that align with federal and state guidelines. From concept design to construction documentation, Buchart Horn can guide you through every phase of the project.

3. Grant and Funding Support

Navigating the complex landscape of funding opportunities can be overwhelming. With $2.6 billion in federal funding now available, along with various competitive grants, we help clients identify and secure funding for lead service line replacement projects. Buchart Horn assists municipalities in applying for state revolving funds (DWSRF) and other grant programs, ensuring they maximize available resources.

4. Compliance with EPA Standards

Our firm stays ahead of evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring that our clients are fully compliant with the latest EPA standards, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and the new LCRI. We offer regulatory reporting services that make sure your water systems meet federal and state mandates, safeguarding public health and avoiding costly penalties.

5. Public Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

The LCRI emphasizes the need for transparent communication with communities about lead exposure risks and mitigation efforts. Buchart Horn provides strategic communication support, helping municipalities develop clear and effective outreach plans that engage residents and inform them of ongoing water safety efforts.

A Commitment to Environmental Justice

At the heart of the LCRI is the commitment to ensuring that all Americans, regardless of race, income, or geography, have access to safe drinking water. Many of the homes affected by lead contamination are located in underserved communities, and Buchart Horn shares the Biden-Harris Administration’s focus on environmental justice.

We are dedicated to providing equitable solutions that address the disproportionate exposure burden faced by low-income families and communities of color. Whether it’s securing funding or designing efficient replacement systems, Buchart Horn is committed to building resilient, sustainable infrastructure that benefits all residents.

Partnering with Buchart Horn for Safe, Lead-Free Water

The new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements present a unique opportunity to improve public health, create jobs, and modernize aging infrastructure. Buchart Horn is ready to partner with you in taking advantage of this new funding and regulatory landscape to deliver clean, safe drinking water to your community.

Upcoming EPA Webinar on the Lead and Copper Rule

To support municipalities in navigating these changes, the EPA will be conducting an informational webinar regarding the LCRI on October 24, 2024. This is a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the rule’s provisions and how to comply with the new standards.

You can register for the event here: EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements Webinar

Contact Us

Whether you’re seeking funding assistance, service line inventory support, or strategic project planning, Buchart Horn is ready to help. Contact us today to learn how we can assist your municipality in complying with the new EPA requirements and securing funding for critical lead pipe replacement projects.